Huu-ay-aht First Nations is proud to support the next generation of leaders through our Student Youth Program, an initiative designed to connect youth with meaningful employment opportunities within our government departments.
This summer, Huu-ay-aht youth are gaining hands-on experience by working in areas that align with their interests and career goals. Whether it’s administration, natural resources, communications, culture and language or community services, students are exploring their passions while building valuable skills for their future.
As part of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) Student Youth Program orientation, the students visited the Anacla Government Offices (AGO) and the sacred ancestral village of Kiix̣in as part of their summer employment orientation on July 3, 2025.
Photo [left to right]: Cory Howard Sr., Emily Kosteniuk, Hailey Jacob, Charli Brown, Jay Gill, Daniel Jack, Issiah Dennis, Vanessa Young, Nolan Nookemus, Victoria Williams (photo by H. Alexander).
Seven students participated in a full day of events; Emily Kosteniuk, Hailey Jacob, Charli Brown, huč̓is Vanessa Young, ʔuutstuʔaksa Victoria Williams, tamuuk Issiah Dennis and wahuu Nolan Nookemus, and for some it was a first visit to their ancestral home.
The students were welcomed at the Anacla Government Office (AGO) by tuqwii Cory Howard Sr. with a welcome prayer, and then met AGO staff, managers, and program leads. Executive Councillor n̓aasiismisʔaksup Stella Peters presented an overview of Huu-ay-aht governance and the vision for youth involvement. Once paperwork was completed, the students were given a short tour of the AGO, followed by a dinner song by Daniel Jack and a pizza lunch, provided by The Market (HFN Group of Businesses).
It was a perfect summer day to hike the board-walk trail to the ancient village of Kiix̣in. Along with forest birds, big bear scat and wildlife sightings, Cory Sr. explained the significance of the animal carvings on the sign commemorating Kiix̣in as a National Historic Site; the thunderbird, bear, fish and whale carvings indicate that the area was rich in these resources for the Huu-ay-aht.
The students were fortunate their visit to Kiix̣in occurred at low tide, with calm seas and favourable weather, and a few students took the opportunity to explore the cave under the large sea stack. After exploring the beach, Cory Sr. guided the students into the village site and pointed out ancient house and door posts and told stories of life at Kiix̣in. He described the traditional boundaries of the Huu-ay-aht territory, how the people of nearby Nations identified territory borders using carved posts, and spoke of the conflicts among surrounding Nations.
Cory Sr. also spoke of his own heritage (the Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation) and told stories learned from his father, and how he came to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations territory when he was 17 years old.
Daniel Jack (Culture and Language), Jay Gill (Human Resources), Stephen Evans (Economic Development), and Heather Alexander (Communications) also participated in the student orientation day.
Photo [left to right]: Charli Brown, Hailey Jacob, Daniel Jack, Jay Gill, Nolan Nookemus, Vanessa Young, Victoria Williams, Issiah Dennis, Emily Kosteniuk, Cory Howard Sr. (photo by H. Alexander)
The Student Youth Program helps participants earn income and develop a strong work ethic and empowers them to see themselves as contributors to the Nation’s growth and success. Through mentorship, learning, and real-world experience, Huu-ay-aht First Nations is investing in our youth, supporting them to become confident, skilled, and community-driven individuals.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations is excited to watch these young professionals thrive and take pride in knowing they are helping to shape the future of Huu-ay-aht.